TUF 18 Finale: Undercard Predictions

Ryan Benoit (7-2) vs. Joshua Sampo (10-2)

The UFC is actively trying to bolster the flyweight division and have achieved their goal in signing Benoit/Sampo. Both have shown solid ability on the regional scene and are still in their 20s so there’s room for growth. Sampo is a grappler by trade, earning five submission wins in his career, while Benoit’s power has resulted in six TKO victories. In my estimation, Sampo should have a slight edge based on the fact he’s won his last four fights including contests against Alexis Vila and Antonio Banuelos (both respectable veterans). / PREDICTION: Joshua Sampo def. Ryan Benoit via Unanimous Decision

Drew Dober (13-4) vs. Sean Spencer (10-2)

Grappling fanatics should enjoy this showdown. Both men are good on the mat, though Dober’s submission game is superior to Spencer’s. He’s also been hot as of late with seven wins in his last eight outings. Expect him to add a ninth tap-out to his record after eventually moving his way into position for his technique of choice, the Rear-Naked Choke. / PREDICTION: Drew Dober def. Sean Spencer via Submission

Jared Rosholt (8-1) vs. Walter Harris (4-1)

Knowledgeable folks almost certainly recognize Rosholt’s last name based on his wrestling career and relation to fellow fighter Jake Rosholt, his big brother. The little Rosholt is actually the bigger one as chance would have it, clocking in as a heavyweight. Harris is explosive and has earned all of his triumphs by scoring a TKO less than two minutes into the match-up. If Rosholt can avoid Harris' initial flurry and put him on the ground to sap him of energy, expect a submission or decision to go the Texan’s way. Otherwise, he’ll be taking an unplanned nap after eating a stiff shot early on in the tilt. / PREDICTION: Jared Rosholt def. Walter Harris via Unanimous Decision

Rani Yahya (19-7) vs. Tom Niinimaki (20-5-1)

Finally, a fighter most of you have heard of! Yahya has recovered brilliantly from a rough patch in his career seeing defeats in three of four fights, emerging triumphant in a trio of consecutive clashes. Picking up #4 won’t be easy though even if Niinimaki is a newcomer. The Finnish finisher has won eleven straight scraps including recent success against Chase Beebe and Walel Watson. Still, while good, it’s tough to pick him when thinking about Yahya’s BJJ excellence and overall toughness. / PREDICTION: Rani Yahya def. Tom Niinimaki via Split Decision

Maximo Blanco (9-4-1) vs. Akira Corassani (11-3)

Granted, this is arguably the least anticipated headliner to any undercard of 2013. Still, don’t blame Corassani or Blanco for the UFC’s questionable booking, because there’s no question their clash is going to be worth watching. Both are aggressive competitors with certain advantages over the other. Blanco is a bit more powerful, while Corassani often sets up his grappling with his stand-up. Based on Blanco’s athleticism and performance against superiorly-skilled adversaries he should end up with the nod, though Corassani certainly has the ability to pull off an upset. / PREDICTION: Maximo Blanco def. Akira Corassani via Unanimous Decision

If you’re tuning in tomorrow night for preliminary portion of the Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale and are looking for star-power, expect to be disappointed. However, if you’re hoping for little more than a few entertaining match-ups the forecast is much brighter. Here’s a look at how the five undercard efforts may unfold based on skill-set, past performance, and a variety of other factors… (Photos by USA Today Sports Images)